Leptospirosis

LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents & other vermin.
Waste products (e.g., urine and feces) of an infected animal, especially rats, contaminate the soil, water, & vegetation.

CAUSE
Leptospira spirochetes bacteria

HOW DO YOU GET IT?
Ingesting contaminated food or water or when broken skin or open wounds and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) come in contact with contaminated water (usually flood water) or soil (Incubation period of bacteria is 7-10 days.)

TREATMENT
• Take antibiotics duly prescribed by a physician.
• Early recognition and treatment within 2 days of illness prevents complications of leptospirosis, so early consultation is advised.

PREVENTION & CONTROL
• Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or flood water.
• Use proper protection, like boots and gloves, when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
• Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
• Control rodents in the household by using rat traps or rat poison and maintaining cleanliness in the house.